You may have heard about adverse childhood experiences, potentially traumatic events that could have lifelong health consequences. But there is increasing attention focused on positive childhood experiences that help children build resilience and recover from significant adversity or trauma. Researchers have noticed that children with resilience have better health outcomes and develop the ability to plan [...]
With breast cancer, as with other cancers and many other diseases, early detection makes a positive outcome more likely. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Arizona, with an estimated 6,110 cases expected to be diagnosed in 2022, according to the American Cancer Society. It's Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which promotes educating yourself and [...]
Following up on a recent blog, I'm pleased to share that two public service announcements developed for our Arizona Smokers Helpline (ASHLine) won Rocky Mountain Emmy Awards over the weekend. “The Run,” produced by True Story Films, won in the Single Spot Commercial category. “Milestones,” produced by Matter Films and OH Partners, won for Health/Medical [...]
As we mark national Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, I’m highlighting the new suicide prevention website at azhealth.gov/PreventSuicide that connects people with information and help. Resources include: Details on groups that are disproportionately affected groups including LBGTQ, older adults, teenagers, veterans, American Indians, and those who have survived previous attempts at self harm Local and national [...]
More than 2,000 Arizonans lost their lives to opioid overdoses in 2021, with fentanyl the most commonly reported drug in opioid overdoses. You'll find this and other key information in the just-published Opioid Overdoses Surveillance Report, 2020-2021. Producing this report is just one way ADHS continues to battle a crisis in which five Arizonans die [...]
Those who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant share the goal of having a healthy baby. In addition to getting proper prenatal care, there's one more step prospective parents can take: Avoid drinking alcohol while pregnant or trying to become pregnant. September is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Month and Sept. 9 — the 9th [...]
As the 10th-leading cause of death in Arizona – and the second-leading cause of death among those age 10 through 34 – suicide is a major public health concern in our state. But knowing what to do when someone you know is at risk for self harm may make the difference in preventing a suicide. [...]
Health Start, an ADHS program that educates pregnant and postpartum women about the benefits of prenatal care and childhood immunizations, will now be able to help even more Arizona babies get a healthier start. A curriculum developed by the ADHS Health Start team has been approved for use in training community health workers, who will [...]
Chances are you or someone you know has been touched by cancer. From patients and providers to caregivers and survivors, the impact of this life-altering disease is felt in every corner of Arizona. Monday, June 6, is National Cancer Survivors Day. A cancer survivor includes those who are being treated for cancer, who are free [...]
Arizona experienced the tragic deaths of 22 children due to drowning in 2020, according to the Arizona Child Fatality Review Program. Nearly all of them were children ages 1 to 4. Every one of those drowning deaths was preventable. To promote water safety, ADHS joins organizations around the country urging adults to help reduce drownings [...]
